Life is filled with ups and downs. Whether it be starting a new relationship or leaving a job, we all have to go through the trials and tribulations of being human. However, there are times where our past comes back to haunt us and, for ex-assassin Taro Sakomoto, his past is threatening to break the domestic serenity of his new life. Here is the review of Sakamoto Days episode 1.
SAKAMOTO DAYS Episode 1 Recap
The anime starts off action-packed with our main character Taro Sakamoto (voiced by Matthew Mercer) in his prime. He takes down a multitude of enemies and is described as one of the most revered assassins of his time…until he gives it all up and falls in love. After retiring from the assassin life and settling down with his wife Aoi Sakamoto (voiced by Rosie Okumura) and child Hana Sakamoto (voiced by Grace Lu), Sakamoto becomes out of shape and runs a convenience store. However, his domestic life is cut short when Shin Asakura (voiced by Dallas Liu), a clairvoyant and former partner of Sakamoto’s, comes back into his life. Shin demands that Sakamoto return to the assassin lifestyle. However, Sakamoto refuses. Shin, who had been tasked to kill Sakamoto, returns empty-handed.
Just as things seem bleak, Sakamoto comes to the rescue; taking down enemies just as swiftly as in his prime despite his heavy-set appearance. Sakamoto then offers Shin a job at his convenience store, which he accepts.
The First Episode is an Exciting Introduction
The animation is clean-cut, providing fluid fight scenes that aren’t too flashy and character movements that aren’t over the top. The characters are realistic; Sakamoto seems like any other average individual just trying to make a living for his family. The community that rallies around Sakamoto feels familiar. The way they help one another and even the small moments between Sakamoto and his wife and child provide a warm fuzzy feeling during all of the violence of the assassin world. The voice acting is top-notch as well. Personally, I feel like Dallas Liu really captured Shin as a character and made him his own. I’m very excited to see how he handles Shin in later episodes.
Sakamoto Days episode 1 doesn’t shy away from what it wants to convey to its audience. It has an almost John Wick style in terms of handling the assassin lifestyle, which makes me curious about where the anime is headed with the story. Will Sakamoto go back to his previous lifestyle? How will he keep his family life and work life separate? However, the anime keeps its tried and true anime roots. With the occasional comedic and homelike feel that is all too familiar for anime fans, Sakamoto Days feels as though it will be a very enjoyable experience for all who watch. I am very excited to see how the series continues.
Want to watch Sakamoto Days? The anime is on Netflix with new episodes coming out every Saturday. The manga can also be bought on Amazon or Barnes and Noble and read on the Shonen Jump app.
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